U.S. Manufacturing Employment Declines 35% Since 1979 Despite Record Output and Trillion-Dollar Exports

A recent social media post by Josh Wymer, stating, "> PSA: WE USED TO BUILD THINGS IN THIS COUNTRY," has reignited discussions about the state of American manufacturing. This sentiment reflects a long-term trend of significant employment shifts within the sector, even as the nation's manufacturing output has seen substantial growth. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates a notable decline in manufacturing jobs over the past four decades, alongside evolving global economic dynamics.

Manufacturing employment in the United States has decreased by 35% since its peak in June 1979, falling from 19.6 million to approximately 12.8 million workers by 2019. This trend continued, with around 13 million manufacturing workers reported in June 2025. The decline in jobs is partly attributed to increased automation and productivity, allowing for higher output with fewer personnel. The U.S. Census Bureau also reported a 21% reduction in the number of manufacturing firms between 2002 and 2022, with over 45,000 establishments closing.

Despite these job losses, U.S. manufacturing output has demonstrated resilience and growth. The sector contributed an estimated $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy in the first quarter of 2025, representing 9.7% of the total value-added output. Furthermore, U.S.-manufactured goods exports reached a record $1.6 trillion in 2024, with durable goods exports alone exceeding $1 trillion. This indicates a "jobless recovery" in some areas, where technological advancements have allowed output to increase even as employment figures shrink.

The industry faces a complex future, with projections indicating a significant demand for skilled labor. Approximately 3.8 million manufacturing jobs will be needed by 2033, yet 1.9 million are expected to remain unfilled due to a skills gap. Manufacturers also perform 52.9% of all private-sector research and development, highlighting the sector's critical role in innovation. The National Association of Manufacturers emphasizes that for every $1.00 spent in manufacturing, there is a total economic impact of $2.64.